re:discover – a fresh look at befriending | Submitted thoughts and stories

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re:discover – a fresh look at befriending

Author: Wendy Bates
Published: 11 October 2006

Wendy Bates manages re:discover, a project based in Edinburgh aimed at assisting service users to improve their social networks. Initially developed as a traditional befriending project in the 80’s, re:discover overhauled it’s service after reviewing it’s client’s goals and aspirations for recovery. The service now focuses on service users’ personal agendas and assists people in recovering a sense of who they are.

health in mind befriending service was initially developed in the 1980’s in response to an expressed need from service users. The aim of the service was companionship; In essence it aimed to provide service users with a friend. Service users were involved with the service on an open ended basis. Volunteers and service users were matched together based on shared interests and hobbies. Matches were open ended and service users and volunteers chose to undertake activities such as going for a coffee together or going to the cinema.

In 2001 the service was reviewed in consultation with service users, volunteers and referrers. During the review it became clear that the service purely provided a ‘nice maintenance’ for service users. It was built on the falsehood that a service can provide a new friend for someone, plus it created dependency and kept service users separate from mainstream groups, activities and friendships.

As a result, the service was refocused and in 2001, re:discover was launched.

re:discover can be described as a social networks project or a social inclusion befriending project. The service supports service users to recover a sense of who they are by encouraging them to step outside their illness and discover/ rediscover activities and interests which they enjoy. Rather than placing emphasis on a person’s mental health difficulties, we place emphasis on the loneliness and isolation that person experiences. We work with the whole person and focus on their talents, skills and assets rather than focussing on problems and needs.

“What are the benefits? Having someone right by your side throughout and not just telling me what I ‘should’ do for myself. It’s a real confidence booster and I can talk about how I feel, honestly”. (re:discover service user).

We offer a time limited service of up to one year in order improve accessibility to the service and to promote independence rather than creating dependence.

Therefore, the aim of our service is no longer to create a new friendship. Instead we aim to:

help build confidence and self esteem
provide more opportunities for social contact
support service users in engaging with and building constructive relationships with others
encourage service users to participate in their local and wider communities.

“re:discover helps me get out and have a better quality of life- it helps me with my confidence and self worth. (re:discover service user).

At re:discover we believe that community engagement is essential to recovery and that connections to groups offer far more possibilities than connections to individuals. Therefore, we view volunteers as ‘community bridge builders’ rather than as companions, though it is important to stress that friendships often develop within the project.

Each re:discover match is led by the service user, as we believe that service users are experts by and through their own experience. Our workers support and encourage service users to establish exactly what they want to do in their time with the project. They also assist in setting the agenda for the person they are matched with by looking at a service user’s personal goals.

To ensure that we continually meet a service user’s needs we hold regular reviews. We also offer a comprehensive training course for volunteers, accredited by Napier University, and provide on going support and regular supervision in their role.

We see involving volunteers as the key to the success of the project. It matters a great deal to re:discover service users that volunteers are there because they want to be rather than because they are paid to be there. Many of the service users we work with do not have contacts out with mental health support professionals.

“My volunteer has changed my life. He was the only person in my life who wasn’t paid to be with me”. (re:discover service user).

Volunteers within re:discover come from a wide range of backgrounds:

55% of volunteers have experienced/ are experiencing mental health difficulties
34% of volunteers have friends or family members who they have supported through mental health difficulties
11% of volunteers are looking for a change in career or work experience

Within matches, volunteers are encouraged to be honest and open about their ‘wobbly’ moments. Volunteers who disclose their personal struggles in life with a service user increase the prospect of creating an equal, more realistic supportive relationship. This shared experience can result in service users viewing volunteers as role models, as people who may also be fragile, who may also be on the road to recovery, but who also can provide belief and hope, empowering service users to take ownership over the recovery process.

“I can empathise to a certain extent because I know what it feels like to be isolated. It’s nice to see people open up when they know you’ve been there.” re:discover volunteer.

If you’d like to share your thoughts or experiences of recovery then contact us on This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or 0141 240 7790 to discuss.

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Story disclaimer

The stories presented here are for information only. They are meant to inspire hope and show that recovery can and does happen. The stories highlight various examples of recovery and we do not advocate any of these experiences as the ‘right’ way to recover. Recovery is an individual and unique process, each person must decide for himself or herself what will work for them. Please carefully consider any decisions you make about your own recovery and consult with someone you trust if you feel unsure.

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